Salads are any easy way to incorporate summer ingredients, but it can be difficult to find healthy dressings. That is why we went to work in the Lifeway kitchen and created an oil-free and probiotic caesar dressing using our kefir. We tossed romaine lettuce with this ultra creamy and tangy blend and topped with crunchy sea salt chickpeas.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria. They are live microorganisms similar to the ones already living in your gut and may offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
The word “probiotic” itself is often translated to “beneficial for life.” It is derived from the Latin word “pro” meaning “for” and the Greek word “biotic” meaning “life.”
Breaking down the “microbiome”
The microbiome consists of microbes, or microorganisms, that live and colonize on everything from people, plants, the soil, animals, the oceans, etc. These microorganisms can affect us negatively like those nasty viruses that get you sick, but they can also be beneficial, like the probiotics found in kefir.
The human microbiome has many functions, such as helping us absorb nutrients from our food and protecting us against pathogens.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive system.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Plain Lowfat Kefir
- 3/4 cup cashew nuts
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Directions
- In a food processor blend all ingredients together. Refrigerate till cold. Once ready, toss over greens and top with roasted chickpeas.